Your Guide to the 10 Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

woman using best moisturizer for acne prone skin
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Everyone struggles to find effective moisturizers, let alone the best moisturizer for acne prone skin. It is, however, possible to find the best face moisturizer that works for you, regardless of your skin type even if your skin is on the oilier side and more prone to acne breakouts. You just need to find the best moisturizer for acne prone skin.

We’re pretty sure that everyone knows by now that moisturizing is an important step in every skincare routine. If you didn’t know, well now you do. Part of the issue is that acne-prone people try everything they can to avoid getting oily. The assumption is that moisturizers, which can sometimes contain oil will leave a greasy residue on the skin and will induce additional outbreaks. 

My face is already oily, why should I use moisturizer?

Won’t putting on moisturizer make my skin more oily? 

What if it causes breakouts?

We know, it may sound counterintuitive, but when you find the best moisturizer for acne prone skin, it can help soothe your skin and even prevent acne if done properly. Oily skin types require a moisturizer to maintain a healthy and balanced complexion. So, how can you figure out which gel, lotion or cream is best for you? We have listed 10 of the best moisturizers for acne prone skin.

Your Guide to the 10 Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

1. Tula Breakout Star Acne Moisturizer

The Tula Breakout Star features the almighty salicylic acid BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), which is one of the most effective substances for treating acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is non-comedogenic and aids in skin exfoliation. This moisturizer is a straight-up game changer, with 2% salicylic acid, a bunch of nourishing probiotics, as well as soothing aloe, making it the best moisturizer for acne prone skin.

2. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

With an SPF of 30, this CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer is a great moisturizer to use before you walk out your door in the morning. Dry patches don’t stand a chance against this skilled balance of ceramides: naturally occurring fats in the skin, and hyaluronic acid which is a humectant, even on sensitive acne-prone skin. Niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, strengthens the skin’s protective barrier even more. The formula also contains glycerin, which helps to calm skin that has become excessively sensitive as a result of acne or other treatments. It is non-comedogenic and fragrance- and oil-free which makes it the best moisturizer for acne prone skin.

3. Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This budget skincare option from Cetaphil proves that a good moisturizer doesn’t have to break the bank. This lightweight moisturizer glides on your skin pretty well and has a soft matte finish that is ideal for oily skin. It’s also a bonus because it’s made with SPF 30, so you don’t have to put your sunscreen on top, although it’s always a good idea. But remember, layering SPF doesn’t make it double or extra SPF.

4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Moisturizer

Oily and combination skin will benefit from this oil-free and fragrance-free moisturizer. For added hydration, it’s made with glycerin which is a humectant that attracts water to the skin and squalene, an emollient that forms a protective barrier. SThis product also absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish, so there are no shiny spots to worry about.

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

Choose Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture in the morning. This lightweight lotion applies sheerly as well as protects against the sun’s damaging rays with a broad-spectrum SPF of 15. It is also non-comedogenic and alcohol-free, as a result, it won’t aggravate acne-prone skin.

6. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

For evening skincare routine, we would recommend this Paula’s Choice Clear. This lightweight face moisturizer with pore-minimizing niacinamide, soothing antioxidants, and calming ceramides is perfect for acne-prone skin. It hydrates the skin while not clogging pores and is free of chemicals and perfumes.

7. Tatcha The Water Cream

Tatcha The Water Cream is a water-based, oil-free moisturizer that works wonders for hydrating your skin. This lightweight moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin contains a powerful blend of herbs, including Japanese wild rose (which is supposed to minimize the appearance of pores) and Japanese leopard lily (which reduces oil and calms problem skin). It also leaves no oily or sticky residue behind after each application. Because it is non-comedogenic, you may relax knowing that it will absorb excess oil without clogging your pores. It even effectively combats pimples and acne, producing beautiful, radiant skin.

8. Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid

This lightweight mattifying moisturizer contains antioxidant grape seed polyphenols and mattifying silica powder. It has squalane in it to help moisturize, and it works together to absorb excess oil and lessen the appearance of blemishes without drying out the skin. The theory is that if you feed your skin with squalene, it will create less oil.

9. Proactiv Green Tea and Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

This hydrating face moisturizer is lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy, and rich in minerals and botanical extracts to soothe and unclog pores, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin. Macadamia nut oil helps lock in moisture, and green tea and hyaluronic acid work together to relax and maintain the skin’s hydration.

10. Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer

To nourish and heal your skin at the same time, the product contains salicylic acid (a gentle exfoliant that unclogs pores) and bamboo charcoal (a micro-fine powder with antibacterial and antifungal characteristics). Using this clarifying moisturizer is like killing two zits with one stone. Get it? Haha. This Origins Clear Improvement will clear your pores and dissolve sebum while avoiding the formation of new blemishes.

For more moisturizer options for your skin type, check out our lists for the best Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin and the best tinted moisturizers for acne-prone skin.